anonymous

Learning About Breast Cancer

I just got one yesterday. I personally don’t find them painful, and not even that uncomfortable. My breasts are very tender and I have no problem. Plus, they are fairly quick. You’re out and about fast. Making the annual visit no big deal.

anonymous

Stage 1 Patient

No. I find them to be more uncomfortable than painful. It also depends on the time of the month. Your breasts are usually more tender right before your period. Try and schedule it after your period and this should help. Of all medical tests, this is the one I dread the least. It's no biggie.

anonymous

Survivor since 2009

A lumpectomy is a surgery where only the malignant tissue and a "clean" space around the malignant tissue is removed. The breast is not removed and reconstructive surgery is not usually required after a lumpectomy.

anonymous

Family Member or Loved One

You should get a baseline mammogram at the age of 40 (unless you have a family history of breast cancer, in which case talk to your doctor about when you should get your baseline mammogram). After your baseline mammogram, you should get a mammogram every one to two years, depending on previous...

You should get a baseline mammogram at the age of 40 (unless you have a family history of breast cancer, in which case talk to your doctor about when you should get your baseline mammogram). After your baseline mammogram, you should get a mammogram every one to two years, depending on previous findings.

anonymous

Family Member or Loved One

I understand that it might be scary to go to the doctor. However, if you notice any changes in your breasts or anything unusual, you really need to talk with your doctor about it. Here is where you can learn about common signs & symptoms of breast cancer:...

Doctors will usually start performing clinical breast exams when you go in for regular checkups at about age 20. They are checking for abnormalities in your breasts and it's really not that scary. If you have concerns about it, though, the doctor may teach you how to do a breast self-exam. Here is where you can learn about how to do a breast self-exam: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/About-Breast-Cancer/Breast-Self-Exam.aspx.

At the age of 16, you really don't need to worry too much, but it is very important that you pay attention to any changes in your breast and consult your doctor if you have concerns.

About Beyond The Shock®

Beyond The Shock is a comprehensive online guide to understanding breast cancer.

It is a resource for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, a place for loved ones to gain a better understanding of the disease, and a tool for doctors to share information.

Beyond The Shock is a collaborative breast cancer guide created by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF) with the support of the finest medical experts, doctors, and researchers in the world. NBCF utilized ground-breaking technology and the resources of the global medical community to create an accessible platform for understanding a diagnosis of breast cancer.